Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8

Review

The Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8 for Canon EF is a fascinating lens that brings unique qualities to portrait and creative photography. With its soft focus and dreamy characteristics, it appeals to photographers who enjoy a vintage or artistic aesthetic. The lens is designed to provide a gentle glow to images, which can be particularly captivating in portrait work.

One of the defining features of the Velvet 85mm is its ability to create a soft, ethereal look without sacrificing sharpness at the center of the frame. Wide open at f/1.8, the lens shows the characteristic "velvet" effect, which is perfect for artistic endeavors. This can result in striking portraits with a beautiful background bokeh that enhances the subject's presence, rather than distracting from it.

In addition to its creative abilities, the build quality of the Velvet 85mm is commendable. It features a solid metal construction that gives it a premium feel, which is often appreciated by serious photographers. The lens also includes a smooth focusing ring, allowing for precise manual focus adjustments. However, it’s important to note that this lens does not have autofocus, which may deter some photographers used to modern conveniences.

When it comes to performance, the Velvet 85mm does show some vignetting when used wide open, which can contribute to the dreamy look but may not appeal to every user. In terms of chromatic aberration, it performs adequately, although some fringing can be noticed in high-contrast scenes. Additionally, while the unique rendering can be striking in certain contexts, it may not be suitable for those who prefer clearer, more traditional imagery.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Creates a unique soft focus and bokeh, perfect for portraits.
• Solid build quality with a premium feel.
• Smooth manual focus for precise adjustments.

Cons

• No autofocus, which may not suit all photographers.
• Vignetting and some chromatic aberration can detract from sharp details.
• The soft focus may not be ideal for all types of photography.

Verdict

Overall, the Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8 for Canon EF is a specialized tool designed for photographers who want to experiment with a more artistic and dreamy style. While it has its quirks, its ability to produce stunning, atmospheric images makes it a valuable addition to the toolkit of any creative photographer. If you are open to manual focusing and prefer a distinct, vintage-inspired aesthetic, this lens will likely bring delight and inspiration to your work.